African Sisters Education Collaborative (ASEC), a US-based organization aimed at providing access to education for religious women in Africa has renewed its partnership with the Catholic University of Eastern Africa (CUEA) to continue supporting the education of Catholic nuns in Africa.

The renewal took place last Tuesday, January 16 at CUEA where a framework of reference was signed with nuns from various institutions of higher learning in Nairobi benefiting from ASEC scholarship in attendance.

At the event, ASEC representatives made known their organization’s commitment to continue supporting the African sisters pursue higher education.

“Open your mind and heart towards education and value what you do, for this will empower you to be better servants in the communities,” ASEC assistant director of evaluation, Jennifer Mudge urged the beneficiaries of their scholarship present at the event.

ASEC is currently supporting religious sisters from ten African countries.

The contract, which will run for the next four years was signed by Dr. Ann Rita, the academic linkages at CUEA and the Assistant Director of Higher Education for Sisters in Africa (HESA) Rosemary Shaver in the presence of the CUEA staffs, the ASEC representatives and the students from other partner universities.

The HESA partnership with CUEA commenced in 2012.

Other institutions of higher learning that are in partnership with ASEC include Chemchemi ya Uzima Formation Centre and Tangaza University College.

ASEC representatives paid a visit to some of the alumni beneficiaries to see for themselves how the nuns are putting to use their studies achieved through their scholarship.

ASEC director for East and Central Africa, Sr. Lina Wanjiku acknowledged the value of the program citing a nun they had interacted with Tuesday morning.

“This morning, we visited one of the alumni Sr. Consolata Aloo of the Franciscan Sisters of Sr. Anna, who expressed that the knowledge she gained has empowered her especially in resource mobilization through grant writing” Sr. Wanjiku said.

On his part, the Deputy Vice Chancellor (DVC) academic affairs and research at CUEA, Prof. Kaku, expressed their gratitude for partnering with ASEC.

“We value the hard work of HESA students here at CUEA and we appreciate those who came up with this noble initiative for the sisters in Africa,” Prof. Kaku said adding, “We have expanded our courses in languages and if ASEC can give opportunity to the HESA students from different African countries to pursue these courses.”